Buxus

Buxus or Box is a genus of evergreen shrubs with dense foliage suitable for clipping. There is a rich history of formal use with topiary, hedging and edging in the Mediterranean, English, and Japanese traditions. Buxus require regular moisture and tip pruning to promote growth in the desired shape, starting with separate plants. There are Buxus cultivars with a variety of green leaf shapes and tones, and combining them can look very smart planted as a two-layer hedge. B. mircrophylla var japonica is probably the most robust species for Sydney conditions and there is a new cultivar Buxus microphylla 'Faulkner' looking promising as well.